There’s Still Time for a Second Opinion on Your 2020 Medicare Coverage

It has been reported in the media that Medicare.gov’s “Plan Finder” tool has been malfunctioning and giving consumers inaccurate cost estimates for prescription drugs.
With the close of Medicare’s annual enrollment period for 2020 coverage one day away (December 7, 2019), beneficiaries may want a second opinion on their options before settling on a final selection.
eHealthMedicare.com has a functioning plan recommendation tool that helps consumers find the Part D or Medicare Advantage plan that may cover their drugs at the lowest out-of-pocket cost.
Those enrolling in Medicare Advantage using eHealth’s drug coverage comparison tool found more than $1,100 in potential annual savings if they switched to the optimal plan based on their personal prescription drug regimen.
eHealth offers the following tips for Medicare beneficiaries who want a second opinion on the best coverage options to fit their needs for 2020, and for those who haven’t yet shopped for coverage:
- Make sure your preferred doctors are in network: Many beneficiaries have established relationships with doctors they want to keep seeing. Make sure that your preferred doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are in-network for any new plan you consider. Seeing the doctors you know and trust gives you peace of mind.
- Make sure your prescription drugs are covered at a price you can afford: Avoid landing in a 2020 Medicare plan that doesn’t cover your prescription drugs or requires you to pay more out of pocket than you can afford. Different plans may cover different drugs, and copays and deductibles may vary.
- Understand what your total out-of-pocket costs will be: Look beyond the monthly premium price tag of any Medicare insurance plan you consider. Low premiums are great but different plans can differ considerably in the out-of-pocket expenses you’ll face when you receive medical care or pick up medications at the pharmacy.
- Look for other online plan comparison tools: People shopping for Medicare plans at eHealthMedicare.com can sort by a doctor’s name and enter their prescription drug regimen to see which plans may cover them at the lowest out-of-pocket cost.
- Get personal help and advice from a licensed insurance agent when you need it: It’s possible these days to do most of your Medicare research and shopping online without talking to anyone. That’s great for some, but there’s no substitute for the personal touch. A licensed insurance agent can answer your questions and offer insights specific to your situation, at no additional cost to you.
eHealthMedicare.com is a non-government website operated by eHealthInsurance Services, Inc., a licensed health insurance agency that sells Medicare products and does business as eHealth (or eHealthInsurance Agency in NY and OK). eHealthMedicare.com and eHealth are not affiliated or connected with Medicare, or any other government program or agency. eHealth offers plans from a number of insurance companies. This ad solicits insurance prospects for eHealth.